NUEVA ECIJA, Philippines – Hundreds of volunteers from the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC or Church Of Christ) donated blood for their fellowmen in Nueva Ecija on September 14, 2024, showing their community spirit and generosity to help those in need. The volunteers came in droves from the municipality of Talavera and from adjacent towns in Cabanatuan City to participate in the blood donation drive held at the REH Montessori covered court in Talavera town.

Brother Francis Marcos, the Assistant District Minister of Cabanatuan, emphasized the broader impact of the activity. He explained that this initiative “aims to help not only members of the Church but also our fellowmen who are not members.”   

“We are thankful to our Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, for allowing this activity to take place,” he said.

He also thanked Brother Angelo Eraño Manalo, the Coordinator for the Christian Family Organizations (CFO), for his support for the event.

“Their support enables us to benefit the community significantly,” Brother Marcos added.

The event was facilitated by the Christian Medical Dental and Paramedical Society (CMDPS) in partnership with the Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center, a tertiary-level government hospital in Nueva Ecija. 

Dr. Mark Gomez, a resident physician, highlighted the critical need for blood donations and the importance of the role that the INC plays in helping address the supply needs. “Blood is crucial for the management of many diseases. We have a great need for blood as many patients require transfusions. The Church’s efforts help maintain the blood supply in various hospitals,” he said.

Dr. Marlon Mangulabnan of the CMDPS expressed the commitment of medical professionals and health workers to volunteer for such activities. “Medical professionals and health workers have their own schedules. But thank God, we were given time to schedule these activities because we prioritize the activities for the Church,” he said.

Dindo Rivera, the first to donate blood, said he and the other INC volunteers responded “to the Executive Minister’s call to support blood donation.”

“It is a significant help to those who receive the blood, especially since many people cannot afford to buy it from hospitals. This act reflects our love for our fellowmen, beyond [to] just the brethren of the Church Of Christ,” he said.

On the same date, other blood donation activities were held by Church members in the province of Pampanga and in the cities of Makati, Quezon, and Caloocan in Metro Manila, continuing the Church’s mission to do good for those in need.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) is a Christian religion in more than 165 countries and territories. It is composed of members from more than 150 different ethnicities and nationalities.

About the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ)

For more about the Church and its activities, please visit www.iglesianicristo.net